High Humidity Threatens Both Respiration and Psychology

As the summer season comes to an end, temperatures are still at high levels and humidity rates reach 90 percent, especially in coastal regions such as the Black Sea. Stating that this high humidity, which increases the temperature felt, brings not only physiological but also psychological effects, Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya emphasized that high humidity is dangerous psychologically as well as its effects on the respiratory system. Özkaya said, “We think that the increase in violence and homicides in our country in recent days is the effect of high humidity and temperature increase.”

Especially the high temperatures experienced this year are still continuing despite the arrival of the fall season. Stating that the humidity rates, which cause the temperatures to increase even more, have increased especially in coastal areas, Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya gave warnings. Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya said that high humidity not only damages the respiratory system but also causes serious psychological problems and listed the precautions to be taken in high humidity.

“We think it may be linked to cases of insanity”

Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya underlined that the number of applications to the hospital with panic and anxiety complaints has increased recently and stated that the issue can lead to cases of insanity. “As the humidity rate increases, evaporation on the skin slows down and the body cannot cool down enough. This causes people to have difficulty breathing. We see an increase in the number of people applying to our hospitals, especially with panic and anxiety complaints. We think that high humidity may be related to the recent increase in violence and homicides in our country.” Prof. Dr. Özkaya drew attention to the mental effects of humidity as well as physical.

“Hospitalizations in cerebrovascular patients have also increased”

Stating that the main symptoms that occur with high humidity include headache, dizziness, dry throat, difficulty swallowing, nausea and general weakness, Prof. Dr. Özkaya said, “As a result of fluid loss from the body, serious symptoms such as low blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders and chest pain may occur. In these days of high humidity, hospitalizations in patients with cerebrovascular diseases have also increased,” he warns.

Precautions to be taken in high humidity

Prof. Dr. Özkaya listed the following measures to be taken against high humidity and temperatures:

-Do not go out at noon: Especially the elderly and those at risk of panic attacks should avoid going out at noon.

-Avoid heavy sports: Heavy and prolonged sports should not be practiced even in the early morning hours.

-Choosing appropriate clothing: Care should be taken to ensure that the clothes worn do not increase the feeling of humidity and heat.

-Use of air conditioning: Air conditioners should not be used below 22 degrees and cold air should not come directly to the body.

-Liquid consumption: Sugar-free and acid-free drinks such as tea, water, soda and ayran should be preferred.

“High humidity continues to pose serious health risks even though the summer season is over. It is especially important for individuals with respiratory system diseases to take the necessary precautions to minimize these risks,” Prof. Dr. Özkaya said, noting that increased precipitation in the inland regions will increase the humidity rate and emphasized that those living in this region should be careful. Prof. Özkaya concluded by emphasizing the importance of raising public awareness on this issue.